SLMG Beverages, India’s leading independent Coca-Cola bottler, is on track to achieve impressive financial growth, projecting revenues of ₹8,000 crore for the current fiscal year. This marks a robust 14% increase from ₹7,000 crore in FY24, as revealed by Paritosh Ladhani, the firm’s joint managing director, during a recent interview.

Future Revenue Growth Projections

Looking ahead, SLMG Beverages anticipates its revenue to soar by 25%, reaching ₹10,000 crore by FY26. This optimistic forecast is primarily fueled by the company’s expansion into newly acquired markets in Bihar. Ladhani expressed ambitious goals, stating, “We aim to elevate this figure to ₹20,000 crore by 2030.”

The Powerhouse of Bottling

As the flagship enterprise of the Ladhani Group, SLMG Beverages ranks among the top 15 Coca-Cola bottlers globally and boasts an impressive bottling capacity of 33,000 bottles per minute. Currently, the company accounts for nearly 24% of Coca-Cola’s total volume in India. With eight operational plants across the nation, SLMG is set to launch a new facility in Buxar, Bihar, with an investment of ₹1,200 crore. This new venture follows the acquisition of the Bihar market rights from Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCBL) last year.

Expansion Plans and Investment Strategy

Ladhani underscored the company’s readiness to pursue further acquisitions. With strong internal resources and established relationships with banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), SLMG Beverages is prepared to invest in additional plants. “We are open to acquisitions, whether they are valued at ₹1,000 crore, ₹2,000 crore, or ₹3,000 crore,” he remarked.

Strong Distribution Network

Currently, SLMG Beverages operates with approximately 3,200 distributors throughout Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Notably, about 90% of its revenue stems from general trade, while modern trade contributes around 9%, and the remaining revenue is generated through e-commerce channels. Ladhani emphasized that the company’s primary focus will remain on general trade, although they plan to leverage quick commerce to enhance visibility for new product offerings.

Innovative Pricing Strategies

In an effort to cater to urban consumers, SLMG Beverages is introducing products at more competitive price points of ₹15 and ₹20. Recently, the company launched 500 ml packs of Sprite Zero and Coke Zero priced at ₹20. “These lower price points resonate better in urban markets, where consumers typically favor smaller packs,” Ladhani explained, noting that larger packs tend to perform better in rural areas.

Workforce Expansion

SLMG Beverages currently employs around 10,000 individuals and plans to recruit an additional 1,000 employees for the new facility in Buxar. This expansion not only signifies growth but also a commitment to boosting local employment opportunities.

In summary, SLMG Beverages is poised for substantial growth, with its strategic investments, innovative product pricing, and robust distribution network set to elevate the company’s market position significantly in the coming years.